Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to ensure it is capable of processing information it receives about candidates for judicial positions in superior courts. Odinkalu called for transparency and credibility in the selection process.
In his statement, Odinkalu accused the NJC of previously allocating judicial positions to the sons, daughters, wives, and other relatives of individuals who control the judiciary. He criticized this practice, suggesting that it undermines the integrity of the process before the public is even asked for feedback.
This statement follows the NJC’s release of 80 candidates for judicial positions in superior courts, including the High Court, Sharia Courts of Appeal, Customary Courts of Appeal, and state Chief Judges. Odinkalu raised concerns that the announcement did not specify what would happen after the 14-day window for public feedback.
Odinkalu pointed out that without clear communication on what would follow after the feedback period, people may not be motivated to provide useful information. He emphasized the importance of transparency to ensure public engagement.
Odinkalu also expressed doubt about the NJC’s ability to handle and process the potential volume of feedback in today’s digital age. He suggested that while the NJC’s intentions might be good, the process needs to be carefully thought out to ensure it is effective.
Drawing on previous experiences, Odinkalu cited cases where the NJC invited feedback but failed to act on it. He mentioned that, in some instances, the feedback from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was ignored, and judicial appointments seemed to favor insiders, such as the relatives of powerful figures in the judiciary.
Odinkalu called for more than just public feedback collection. He stressed that for the NJC to be taken seriously, it must show that it can process the information it receives and ensure that public input genuinely influences the appointment process.
